Steinesongo
Too many fans seem to be blown away
PodBill
Just what I expected
GarnettTeenage
The film was still a fun one that will make you laugh and have you leaving the theater feeling like you just stole something valuable and got away with it.
CrawlerChunky
In truth, there is barely enough story here to make a film.
Geoffrey DeLeons
The Escape Artist ranks as one of the best films I have ever seen. The fact that it is little-known is ironic, because it seems the film has done its own disappearing act, even though it is quite substantial. I am not sure I have ever seen such a profound and convincing role performed by a child, before.The screenwriter and director made sure that Griffin O'Neal's character (Danny Masters) was not some sugar-coated cartoon character, but instead, this boy comes from a "broken" home with a great deal of turmoil. He survives and flourishes by his own strength of character and his singular purpose: To re-create and enact the famous magic feats of his deceased father.Raul Julia (as Stu Quinnones) is at-his-best in this film, playing a dis-satisfied, eccentric, mischievous outcast with a good heart. Danny and Stu naturally coalesce. It is intriguing that Julia plays the role of the impulsive, fun loving child, where O'Neal's character is rather sober and mature. Danny endeavors to continue the tradition (and memory) of his father, while Stu rejects and de-serves his father's influence. It is apparent to me that the film's creators strove to create a meaningful, emotionally-rich film, almost free of violence. This movie stands on it's own substance; outstanding acting and direction, and fine script writing. This should have been one of the most talked-about movies of the 80's, and a perennial favorite with this understated, tour-de-force performance by Griffin O'Neal. Hats off to Melissa Mathison for magically adapting-to-screen the original novel, written by David Wagoner.
angryangus
This unheralded gem was produced by Francis Ford Coppola's Zoetrope Studios. I give it 10 stars for the theme music alone. There are some very good performances by Griffin O'Neal (his debut) as Danny and Desi Arnez Sr (Lucille Ball's husband) as the crooked Mayor...but the best performances are Raul Julia as Stu, the slightly(!) unhinged son of the Mayor and Joan Hackett as Danny's Aunt Sibyl.Funny and understated performances by John P Ryan as Stu's sidekick Vernon and Teri Garr as Stu's dotty girlfriend Arlene (pure eye-candy) are also worth mentioning.There's even a couple of the original 'Dead-End Kids' in the mix, Huntz Hall and Gabriel Dell, plus the original Uncle Fester and silent screen kid actor, Jackie Coogan. I've just realised all the names I've mentioned bar O'Neal and Garr are all gone now. Sad.M.Emmet Walsh throws in a greasy, smirking performance as the Chief Jailer with corruption oozing from every pore. Walsh never disappoints, even in a cameo role. The ending just about pulls it all together but not quite, though it doesn't disappoint. Once again though...beautiful musicOne strange thing, Richard Bradford as Sam the City Treasurer is missing off the film credits. It took me two updates to get his name listed on IMDb as uncredited.
ImTylerDurden
It's a great kid's film, I saw it as an early teen and it really got me interested in magic. The main character gets away with so much because of his skills but it was all within the realms of plausibility if you've got a bit of bottle and enough books on magic and safe cracking etc. Griffin O'Neal is really expressive and natural in his role. Even though what he gets up to is pretty wild you believe that this kid is amazing enough to pull it off.
zube
I loved this film. It ranks as my number 1 film of all time. I think it is warm, funny and poignant. The whole film from the acting to the photography is infused with a kind of otherworldliness. It is magically warm and sad, and uses illusion to describe how we come terms with our place in the world. The stand out performance by Griffin O'Neal bests anything that i have seen from the O'Neal clan.
